EU urges all nations to sign global anti-torture convention
The European Union today urged all nations to sign a global anti-torture convention, calling the practice “cruel, inhuman and degrading” not only to victims but to perpetrators.
“No culture of impunity is acceptable,” the 25-nation bloc warned in a Vienna statement coinciding with observances of the International Day to Support the Victims of Torture.
The government of Austria, which is wrapping up its six-month EU presidency, reaffirmed the EU’s campaign to eradicate torture around the world.
“There is an absolute prohibition placed on the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and all states must ensure that they do not resort to these barbaric practices,” the EU said, urging governments to sign and ratify the International Convention Against Torture.
